In Old Stump, Backwoods Country, (c 1935) Peter Clapham Sheppard focuses on a massive weathered tree stump, where its roots spread out into the foreground. Painted with bold, energetic brushwork, the stump is rendered in deep violets, umbers, and greys, standing in contrast to the fresh greens and yellows of new growth. The surrounding landscape has irregular ground, some tangled vegetation, and silhouettes of distant trees. This piece suggests an untamed, possibly post-fire or naturally regenerated forest. The sky above has clouds in shades of blue, cream, and light lavender. As in many of Sheppard’s works, the focus on a single elemental subject, which in this piece, is the tree stump. 
This oil on board measures 10.5 x 13.75 inches, is signed by the artist on the lower right, and titled by the artist on the reverse.